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I’m about to replace most of my wooden windows and also replace metal sliding glass doors with swing door sets. All of the existing have double pane insulating glass in good shape. Question: can they be buried in a stud wall and trimmed out to create the look and performance of fixed glass walls with various shapes e.g. trapeziod? Assuming, of course, that I have the necessary internal wall cavity space to do it. Is expansion/contraction an issue? I live in western North Carolina about 2500′ up.
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G.F. It can be done, put rubber blocks under the windows. Seal up with a good flexable caulk, one that is compatable with your thermal pane seal,or tape around the edge with duct tape before installing. Leave at least a 1/8 gap around the perimeter, itcan be larger, fill with the caulk and trim out.
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Geoffmatt, all of those units have a limited life. At some point moisture will find it's way in there and fog the glass. If you frame around those puppies you will cry and gnash your teeth if they lose their seal in a year or five years or ever if you still live there.
Lee
*... include removable stops, and consider the EPDM "dry glazing" RCI in Balt. sells. I'm doing the same thing, but using the windows in an unconditioned porch where fogging shouldn't ba a problem. Considering how much these things cost, I can understand why you'd like to milk as much life out of them as you can -- maybe you could inject silica gel from time to time? :) Don't forget the tempered glass requirements.
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GeoffMatt,Having an extensive backround in the glazing industry, I have both seen this done and concur that it is a great way to utilize your old insulated glass units. As mentioned by others, be sure to place setting blocks under the units and use a quality EPDM glazing tape (available at most Glass shops) between the unit and your trim. If the unit will be exposed to the elements be sure to use a good sealant at the opening. As far as replacement in the future, a compitant glazier would be able to remove the unit in pieces should the need arise without any wall penetrations. It can then be replaced with a proper sized unit for your R.o. Good Luck.
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I'm about to replace most of my wooden windows and also replace metal sliding glass doors with swing door sets. All of the existing have double pane insulating glass in good shape. Question: can they be buried in a stud wall and trimmed out to create the look and performance of fixed glass walls with various shapes e.g. trapeziod? Assuming, of course, that I have the necessary internal wall cavity space to do it. Is expansion/contraction an issue? I live in western North Carolina about 2500' up.